Bond Rees: Concerns About Polygraph Examinations
The field of polygraph examination requires rigorous training, adherence to validated techniques, and a commitment to professional integrity. These elements are essential to ensure accuracy, reliability, and public trust in the process. Recognized organizations such as the American Polygraph Association (APA) and the UK Polygraph Association (UKPA) uphold strict standards, offering a global network of over 4,800 qualified and experienced examiners. These professionals dedicate significant time and effort to their training, using only validated equipment and methods to ensure their work is accurate and ethically sound. In the UK, all police officers who utilize polygraphs are required to be APA members, further emphasizing the importance of proper qualifications in this specialized field.
However, recent complaints have highlighted serious concerns about Liz Clegg, a self-proclaimed polygraph examiner associated with Bond Rees, a private investigation company. These complaints raise significant ethical and professional questions, as Ms. Clegg appears to lack the necessary qualifications, training, and proper equipment to conduct polygraph examinations to industry standards. Below, we delve into the specific issues surrounding her practice.
Concerns About Liz Clegg and Bond Rees
1. Lack of Qualifications
Ms. Clegg has no formal qualifications to operate as a polygraph examiner. Accredited training is a fundamental requirement for anyone claiming to offer polygraph services. Without clear evidence of such qualifications, the reliability of her work is highly questionable. If this assessment is incorrect, Ms. Clegg is encouraged to provide proof of her credentials to address these concerns.
2. Absence of Recognized Training
Professional polygraph examiners must undergo extensive training through accredited programs to learn validated techniques, equipment operation, and ethical practices. Ms. Clegg has not attended any such programs, raising doubts about her capability to provide accurate results.
3. Use of Unregulated Equipment
Reports indicate that Ms. Clegg uses equipment not validated for professional polygraph testing. Allegedly, the device she employs is available for purchase on platforms like eBay and comes with an online training program. Properly validated equipment is only accessible to those with formal qualifications and is essential for accurate testing.
4. Unvalidated Techniques
In polygraph testing, validated techniques are crucial to ensure reliable outcomes. Without proper training, Ms. Clegg cannot use these techniques, further undermining the credibility of her results.
5. Inconsistent and Misleading Results
There have been multiple reports of questionable results from Ms. Clegg’s tests. For example, during a specific case on 30/2/22, her test caused significant distress to the family involved. Additionally, her tests frequently result in a “pass” for clients, which raises concerns about her objectivity and adherence to strict testing protocols.
6. Unsupported Claims in Reports
Ms. Clegg’s reports include claims such as achieving “top 5%” results, a statement no qualified examiner would make. Official polygraph results are strictly limited to three categories: No Deception Indicated (NDI), Deception Indicated (DI), or Inconclusive (INC). Any additional claims are misleading and unprofessional.
7. False Experience Claims
Ms. Clegg claims to have two years of experience as a polygraph examiner. However, these claims are inconsistent with the launch date of her website, suggesting a lack of transparency and professional credibility.
8. Poor Question Formulation and Analysis
Polygraph testing involves carefully designed questions and thorough data analysis, a skill acquired through extensive training. Ms. Clegg lacks the qualifications necessary to perform these tasks accurately, further compromising the reliability of her tests.
9. Delayed and Improper Results
Qualified polygraph examiners provide results face-to-face on the same day as the test. Ms. Clegg does not adhere to this standard, raising further concerns about her professionalism and ability to meet industry regulations.
Issues with Specific Testing Practices
A review of Ms. Clegg’s testing practices revealed several alarming issues, including:
- Manual Scoring: Proper testing involves manual scoring of charts to ensure accuracy. Relying solely on computer scoring can lead to unreliable results.
- Misuse of Fear and Stress Ratings: Her reports reference fear and stress ratings without scientific basis. Studies show that heart rate, for instance, is not a reliable indicator of deception.
- Invalid Equipment: The absence of a blood pressure cuff in her tests invalidates the results, as this is a critical component of professional polygraph equipment.
- Poor Question Design: Questions in her tests are poorly structured, making them difficult for subjects to answer accurately.
- Multi-Issue Tests: Accuracy drops significantly with multi-issue tests, which Ms. Clegg reportedly conducts. Industry standards recommend single-issue tests for optimal reliability.
Professional Ethics and Accuracy
Despite claiming to provide ethical and professional services, Ms. Clegg’s lack of qualifications, training, and validated equipment undermines the reliability of her work. Her statement, “I am committed to ensuring an ethical and professional service for you that provides the most accurate, reliable, and valid polygraph test result available in the UK,” is misleading, given her inability to meet recognized professional standards. Clients are advised to exercise caution when considering her services.
Advice for the Public
When seeking a polygraph examiner, it is essential to verify their credentials and ensure they are members of accredited organizations such as the American Polygraph Association (APA) or the UK Polygraph Association (UKPA). These organizations regulate examiners, ensuring they use validated equipment, techniques, and ethical practices. If an examiner cannot provide proof of membership or qualifications, it is a clear red flag.
In the case of Liz Clegg (Elizabeth Rose Marie Clegg) from Bond Rees, her lack of proper qualifications, training, and adherence to professional standards means her tests cannot be considered reliable. Additionally, since she is not regulated by any professional body, there is no formal avenue for addressing complaints about her services. Protect yourself by choosing a certified examiner with transparent credentials and methods.